The Director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Rami Abdel Rahman, revealed that about 290 Syrian mercenaries had arrived to Europe via Libya.
In media statements, Abdel Rahman confirmed that 16,500 Syrian fighters have gone to Libya to fight alongside the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) against the Libyan National Army (LNA).
An estimated 6,000 mercenaries returned to Syria after their contracts ended. The Syrian death toll is believed to have reached 481 fighters during confrontations with the LNA and other skirmishes in Libya.
Abdel Rahman said that there are about 10,000 non-Syrian fighters belonging to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State being sent to fight in Libya.
The Observatory also pointed out that these extremists had previously come to Libya via Turkey. He confirmed that Turkish recruitment operations continue, noting that these mercenaries were spearheading the fighting alongside GNA forces.